Innovations in Diabetes Care for Children in Odesa
In 2021, a task force was established in Odesa to enhance medical support for children suffering from diabetes. This initiative united the city government, healthcare institutions, volunteer organizations, and parents to improve the quality of life for children with this condition.
Last year, Odesa launched a program for purchasing insulin pumps for children with diabetes under the City Health Program.
Over the past two years, 36 insulin pumps have been purchased and installed using city budget funds, and 58 children have received necessary supplies for the pumps.
For children with diabetes, the availability of an insulin pump means no more injections, reduced stress, accurate dosage, timely insulin delivery, prevention of complications, and the ability to lead an active lifestyle.
Additionally, children with diabetes are provided with free installation of continuous glucose monitoring systems. By 2024, more than 200 monitoring systems have been installed, helping to prevent significant daily fluctuations in blood sugar levels and avoid debilitating complications.
An educational project called "Diabetes School" has been launched at the Children’s Consulting and Diagnostic Center named after Acad. B. Ya. Reznik. Training sessions are held for children with diabetes and their parents, focusing on improving quality of life, healthy eating, sports, and more. Psychological support training for children with diabetes and their families is also conducted in collaboration with the NGO "Psychological Space of CDC".
This year, with the support of the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Science of the Odesa City Council, a project has been initiated to raise awareness about diabetes among school staff. Information on recognizing emergency conditions and providing first aid to children with diabetes has already reached 50 educators, and the educational project continues.
"Odesa is the only city in Ukraine that has massively installed such a number of insulin pumps for children with diabetes in outpatient settings in recent years. Overall, Odesa holds leading positions in funding medical care for children with diabetes from the city budget," noted Valentina Velichko, director of the Reznik Center.
